Senior R&D Strategy and Portfolio Manager (SME)

Description

Location:        Fairfax, VA (onsite/in-person meetings will be a regular occurrence – no remote work).

Clearance:      TS/SCI (Can start with TS/SCI eligibility while waiting for program indoctrination)

Education:      Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred) in a relevant field.

Outcomes:
The successful candidate is expected to accomplish the following outcomes in the first year on the position:

·         Formally track all tasks, to include: assigned by, suspense, status, and comments on all assigned tasks through completion and be prepared to brief upon request.

·         Develop digital transition files on procedures to include workflows and POC lists to accomplish all tasks.

·         Create 2-3 products beyond the client’s requirements that positively impact the client to either increase efficiency, effectiveness, or innovation.

·         Master position tasks within 60 days and exceed requirements within 90 days.

Responsibilities:

As a Senior R&D Strategy and Portfolio Manager in the Secretary of the Air Force / Concepts, Development and Management Office (SAF/CDM) Research & Development organization, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our future. Your mission will be to develop and execute an integrated strategy that drives efficient solution development for SAF/CDM.   You’ll also play a role in guiding the change of our organization through the upcoming Department of Air Force (DAF) Re-Optimization efforts. The ideal candidate will have a passion for solving challenging, unstructured, and time-critical problems in both leadership and supporting roles. The candidate will participate in analyses, assessments, and workshops that integrate technical, operational, and programmatic aspects across various CDM initiatives. Candidates must be able to manage multiple tasks concurrently, often with constrained timelines. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Portfolio Strategy and Management:

·         Lead the development and continuous refinement of an end-to-end, integrated R&D strategy for our interactions with both the DoD and DIE while functioning as a direct support element to the Secretary of the Air Force. 

·         Lead/Charter strategic direction initiatives and be able to identify risks and opportunities as required to organization and DoD leadership.

·         Be able to support leadership in decision-making processes. 

Strategy Initiatives:

·         Identify and drive strategic initiatives that align with business needs.

·         Proactively analyze the portfolio to facilitate effective decision-making.

·         Be able to cultivate and work with leadership and groups at strategic levels to include industry, DoD organizations and agencies and laboratories.

·         Identify, categorize, and conduct analysis that examines operational gaps, requirements, and solutions.

·         Assess the impact of programmatic and technical options on validated requirements.

·         Design and prepare reports, briefings, papers, and related documentation for senior leaders.

Portfolio Modeling & Analytics:

·         Leverage expertise to provide clear communication of portfolio strategy, status, and decisions across the organization.

·         Regularly interact with senior governance bodies and provide courses of action as required.

Qualifications:

·         Proven experience in strategic planning, portfolio management, and analytics with an emphasis on strategy development, military operations, program management, technology integration and innovation.

·         Experience as a Staff Officer in one of the five uniformed services (USA, USAF, USMC, USN or USSF) preferably the Department of the Air force, to include being able to think critically as well as develop and offer innovative solutions at the General Officer/Senior Executive levels.

·         Must have strong communication, organization, and mentoring skills.

·         Proven ability to work successfully in collaborative and diverse environments.

·         Proven skills as a collaborative team Player.

·         Familiarity with government contracting processes, compliance with federal regulations, and experience with DoD acquisition programs.

·         Knowledge of specific DoD systems, technologies, and programs relevant to SAF/CDM initiatives.

The following qualifications are desired:

·         Experience managing Science & Technology (S&T) programs and projects supporting the R&D process, to include experience with DARPA, IARPA and/or any of the service laboratories or Advanced Research Center Universities (ARCU)

·         PMP and/or PgMP certified.

·         R&D certified.

·         Other relevant certifications.

Travel:      None.

Are you a returning applicant?